Edwards And Marsh Star In England Win

England Women eased to victory in the first of three One-Day Internationals against New Zealand Women at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval. Charlotte Edwards and Laura Marsh were the standout players for the visitors, while Sara McGlashan hit 74 for the home side.

England had begun the day by winning the toss and electing to field after rain had delayed the start, and they soon had their first wicket as Lucy Doolan was caught by Arran Brindle off the bowling of Georgia Elwiss (two for 32) for six in the fourth over. Katey Martin (29 from 39 balls) and Suzie Bates (15 from 19) put on 35 for the second wicket but both fell in quick succession and it was left to a fourth wicket stand of 71 between McGlashan and Amy Satterthwaite (38 from 57) to help the Kiwis recover from 52 for three.

McGlashan reached her 50 from 78 balls and added another 71 – this time with Anna Peterson (33 from 52) for the fifth wicket – before falling in the 48th over to Jenny Gunn. Katie Perkins finished the White Ferns innings with a flourish as she ended unbeaten on 24 from 16 balls to take them to 233 for six at the close.

England’s reply began steadily and they reached 33 before losing Tamsin Beaumont from the final ball of the tenth over. However, Charlotte Edwards anchored the visitors’ innings with a 107-ball 84 and shared partnerships of 52 with Sarah Taylor (17 from 28 balls) and 71 with Lydia Greenway prior to being dismissed by Suzie Bates (two for 34). Laura Marsh then took up the baton to great effect and took England to the brink of victory with a 42-ball 44 as she and Greenway (36 from 61) made the most of the batting powerplay. Brindle ensured there were no alarms following Marsh’s dismissal and finished unbeaten with 21 as England maintained their unbeaten tour record to win with ten balls to spare.

Victorious captain Charlotte Edwards paid tribute to the groundstaff after the match saying, “I’m really pleased. I didn’t think we’d get a game in when I saw the weather this morning so credit to the groundsmen.”

Of her team’s performance, she added, “Our bowling was a bit hit and miss today. It's a good wicket so there was little margin for error but Jenny Gunn bowled exceptionally well and Georgia Elwiss put in a good performance as did Laura Marsh.

“We batted really well to chase the target down and all wanted to get in and personally I was really pleased to contribute with a decent score.

“I’m pleased with the win today. It's good start to the series which we will be looking to follow up on Saturday (in the second ODI).”